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HomeGuidesNPS Schemes 2026
FY 2025-26 · AY 2026-27
Updated August 2026

Top Performing NPS Schemes 2026Comprehensive Guide to NPS Fund Performance for FY 2025-26

Explore the top performing NPS schemes for 2026, including detailed returns analysis, tax benefits, and fund manager insights.

Table of Contents
1

Pension Fund Managers


2

Top Performing NPS Fund Managers – Central Government Scheme


3

Best Performing NPS Fund Managers – State Government Schemes


4

Best Performing NPS Tier-I Returns 2026 – Scheme E


5

Best Performing NPS Tier-I Returns 2026 – Scheme G


6

Best Performing NPS Tier-I Returns 2026 – Scheme C


7

Best Performing NPS Returns 2026 – Scheme APY


8

NPS Pension Calculator


9

FAQs on NPS Schemes

Pension Fund Managers

An overview of the pension fund managers authorized to manage NPS investments.

  1. Leading Pension Fund Managers

    Currently, there are 11 pension fund managers managing NPS investments.

    • SBI Pension Funds Pvt. Ltd.

    • LIC Pension Fund Ltd.

    • UTI Retirement Solutions Ltd.

  2. Role of Fund Managers

    Fund managers are responsible for managing and investing the contributions in various asset classes.

    • Equity (Scheme E)

    • Government Securities (Scheme G)

    • Corporate Bonds (Scheme C)

  3. Selection Criteria

    Investors can choose fund managers based on past performance and investment strategy.

    • Historical returns

    • Risk management approach

    • Fund manager reputation

  4. Performance Monitoring

    Regular monitoring of fund performance is crucial for maximizing returns.

    • Quarterly performance reports

    • NAV tracking

    • Annual fund reviews

Top Performing NPS Fund Managers – Central Government Scheme

Analysis of the top performing NPS fund managers under the Central Government Scheme.

  1. SBI Pension Fund

    SBI Pension Fund has shown consistent performance in managing central government contributions.

    • NAV as of 31st Jan 2026: ₹49.4885

    • 1-year return: 5.99%

    • Since inception: 9.38%

  2. LIC Pension Fund

    LIC Pension Fund is noted for its robust returns over the years.

    • NAV as of 31st Jan 2026: ₹48.7055

    • 3-year return: 9.19%

    • 10-year return: 8.99%

  3. UTI Retirement Solutions

    UTI has been a strong performer with competitive returns.

    • NAV as of 31st Jan 2026: ₹48.4415

    • 5-year return: 7.48%

    • Since inception: 9.24%

Best Performing NPS Fund Managers – State Government Schemes

Insights into the best performing fund managers for state government employees.

  1. LIC Pension Fund

    LIC Pension Fund leads with the highest returns for state government schemes.

    • NAV as of 31st Jan 2026: ₹43.3322

    • 5-year return: 7.52%

    • Since inception: 9.23%

  2. UTI Retirement Solutions

    UTI continues to deliver strong performance in state schemes.

    • NAV as of 31st Jan 2026: ₹48.4415

    • 3-year return: 9.15%

    • 10-year return: 9.01%

  3. SBI Pension Fund

    SBI Pension Fund maintains a solid track record.

    • NAV as of 31st Jan 2026: ₹42.4846

    • 7-year return: 8.78%

    • Since inception: 9.19%

Best Performing NPS Tier-I Returns 2026 – Scheme E

Scheme E focuses on equity investments, offering higher returns with higher risk.

  1. HDFC Pension Management

    HDFC leads with impressive equity returns.

    • NAV as of 31st Jan 2026: ₹55.2747

    • 1-year return: 11.32%

    • Since inception: 14.65%

  2. ICICI Prudential Pension Fund

    ICICI offers strong long-term equity returns.

    • NAV as of 31st Jan 2026: ₹75.1936

    • 3-year return: 17.63%

    • 10-year return: 14.59%

  3. Kotak Mahindra Pension Fund

    Kotak provides competitive returns in Scheme E.

    • NAV as of 31st Jan 2026: ₹69.7553

    • 5-year return: 16.53%

    • Since inception: 12.32%

  4. Tata Pension Management

    Tata shows strong growth in equity investments.

    • NAV as of 31st Jan 2026: ₹16.4235

    • 1-year return: 13.84%

    • Since inception: 15.46%

Best Performing NPS Tier-I Returns 2026 – Scheme G

Scheme G invests in government securities, offering stable returns with lower risk.

  1. LIC Pension Fund

    LIC leads in government securities with consistent returns.

    • NAV as of 31st Jan 2026: ₹30.6749

    • 1-year return: 4.20%

    • Since inception: 9.36%

  2. SBI Pension Fund

    SBI provides reliable returns in Scheme G.

    • NAV as of 31st Jan 2026: ₹41.0434

    • 3-year return: 7.89%

    • 10-year return: 8.30%

  3. ICICI Prudential Pension Fund

    ICICI offers stable returns in government securities.

    • NAV as of 31st Jan 2026: ₹37.7273

    • 5-year return: 5.65%

    • Since inception: 8.27%

  4. HDFC Pension Management

    HDFC maintains a strong performance in Scheme G.

    • NAV as of 31st Jan 2026: ₹28.0995

    • 7-year return: 7.75%

    • Since inception: 8.61%

Best Performing NPS Tier-I Returns 2026 – Scheme C

Scheme C focuses on corporate bonds, balancing risk and returns.

  1. SBI Pension Fund

    SBI leads with robust returns in corporate bonds.

    • NAV as of 31st Jan 2026: ₹45.1386

    • 1-year return: 7.34%

    • Since inception: 9.43%

  2. ICICI Prudential Pension Fund

    ICICI offers competitive returns in Scheme C.

    • NAV as of 31st Jan 2026: ₹44.9362

    • 3-year return: 8.17%

    • 10-year return: 8.29%

  3. HDFC Pension Management

    HDFC provides stable returns in corporate bonds.

    • NAV as of 31st Jan 2026: ₹29.893

    • 5-year return: 6.90%

    • Since inception: 9.15%

  4. Kotak Mahindra Pension Fund

    Kotak shows consistent performance in Scheme C.

    • NAV as of 31st Jan 2026: ₹43.1383

    • 7-year return: 7.73%

    • Since inception: 9.13%

Best Performing NPS Returns 2026 – Scheme APY

Scheme APY focuses on Atal Pension Yojana, providing a fixed pension post-retirement.

  1. LIC Pension Fund

    LIC leads with the highest returns in Scheme APY.

    • NAV as of 31st Jan 2026: ₹24.8425

    • 1-year return: 6.18%

    • 5-year return: 7.54%

  2. SBI Pension Fund

    SBI offers reliable returns in Scheme APY.

    • NAV as of 31st Jan 2026: ₹23.5678

    • 3-year return: 8.02%

    • Since inception: 8.89%

  3. UTI Retirement Solutions

    UTI provides competitive returns in Scheme APY.

    • NAV as of 31st Jan 2026: ₹22.4567

    • 7-year return: 7.89%

    • Since inception: 8.76%

  4. HDFC Pension Management

    HDFC maintains strong performance in Scheme APY.

    • NAV as of 31st Jan 2026: ₹21.3456

    • 10-year return: 8.44%

    • Since inception: 8.67%

NPS Pension Calculator

Calculate your potential NPS returns and tax savings using the NPS Pension Calculator.

  1. How to Use the Calculator

    Steps to effectively use the NPS Pension Calculator for estimating returns.

    • Enter your age and retirement age

    • Input your monthly contribution

    • Select expected rate of return

  2. Understanding the Results

    Interpreting the results provided by the calculator.

    • Projected corpus at retirement

    • Estimated monthly pension

    • Tax savings under Section 80CCD

  3. Example Calculation

    A worked example to illustrate potential NPS benefits.

    • Age: 30, Retirement Age: 60

    • Monthly Contribution: ₹5,000

    • Projected Corpus: ₹1.5 crore

Using the NPS Pension Calculator can help you plan your retirement savings effectively.

FAQs on NPS Schemes

What is the maximum tax benefit under NPS?

Under Section 80CCD(1B), you can claim an additional ₹50,000 tax deduction over and above the ₹1.5 lakh limit under Section 80C, making the total potential deduction ₹2 lakh.


How do I choose the right NPS fund manager?

Consider factors such as past performance, fund manager reputation, and investment strategy. Reviewing historical returns and risk management approaches can help in making an informed decision.


Can I change my NPS fund manager?

Yes, you can change your NPS fund manager once a year. This flexibility allows you to switch based on performance or personal preference.


What is the difference between Tier-I and Tier-II NPS accounts?

Tier-I is the primary retirement account with tax benefits and withdrawal restrictions, while Tier-II is a voluntary savings account with no tax benefits and greater liquidity.


How are NPS returns taxed at maturity?

At maturity, 60% of the NPS corpus can be withdrawn tax-free, while the remaining 40% must be used to purchase an annuity, which is taxable as per your income slab.


What are the withdrawal rules for NPS Tier-I accounts?

Partial withdrawals of up to 25% of contributions are allowed after 3 years for specific purposes like education or medical treatment. Full withdrawal is permitted at retirement.


Is there a lock-in period for NPS investments?

Yes, NPS investments are locked in until the age of 60. However, partial withdrawals are allowed under certain conditions after 3 years.


What is the minimum contribution required for NPS?

The minimum annual contribution for an NPS Tier-I account is ₹1,000. There is no minimum contribution requirement for Tier-II accounts.


Can NRIs invest in NPS?

Yes, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can invest in NPS. However, the contributions are subject to regulatory requirements and foreign exchange laws.


How does the auto choice option work in NPS?

The auto choice option automatically allocates your investments based on your age and risk profile, reducing equity exposure as you approach retirement.

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